MBG Task Force Investigates Cause of Student Poisoning in Bangkalan

The Task Force for the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) programme in Bangkalan, East Java, is investigating a mass poisoning incident that affected students of SMA Negeri 1 Kokop. “We have conducted an in-depth investigation by taking statements from the victims and securing food samples,” said Head of the Bangkalan MBG Task Force, Bambang Budi Mustika, in Bangkalan on Friday. He explained that the suspected food poisoning case at SMA Negeri 1 Kokop occurred on Thursday (4/6) after students consumed meals provided by the MBG programme. A total of 84 students at the school experienced nausea and vomiting. The poisoning did not only affect students; some parents also fell ill because portions of the food were taken home and consumed by them. In addition to taking statements from the students who suffered poisoning, the Bangkalan MBG Task Force also directly visited the food provider. According to Bambang, while inspecting the conditions at the food provider’s Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit (SPPG), the MBG Task Force discovered that the Wastewater Treatment Plant (IPAL) at the location had not been updated. “We are also coordinating with the Bangkalan District Health Office regarding this case to conduct clinical tests. Medical personnel in the field have also secured leftover food samples and vomit samples from affected students to be taken and examined intensively at a laboratory in Surabaya,” he said. Meanwhile, as of Friday (5/6), 12 of the 84 students who suffered poisoning are still receiving treatment at the Kokop Community Health Centre, Bangkalan.